South Africa vs England LIVE: Springboks forced into late change with Kolisi ruled out of Ellis Park clash

It’s official – George Furbank has been ruled out for England, with Marcus Smith starting at full-back and Henry Slade on to the bench.

Huge news from South Africa – captain Siya Kolisi and lock Eben Etzebeth are OUT! Pieter-Steph du Toit skippers the side with Paul de Villiers making his debut.

You may, at this point, be wondering what the Nations Championship actually is – luckily, our one-stop shop explainer has everything covered:

Saturday 4 July: South Africa vs England (4.40pm BST, Johannesburg)

Saturday 11 July: South Africa vs Scotland (4.40pm BST, Pretoria)

Saturday 18 July: South Africa vs Wales (4.40pm BST, Durban)

Some reports in South Africa, seemingly well sourced, are suggesting that both Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth might be ruled out through injury. We’ll let you know if or when that is official.

Saturday 4 July: South Africa vs England (4.40pm BST, Johannesburg)

Saturday 11 July: Fiji vs England (2.10pm BST, Liverpool)

Saturday 18 July: Argentina vs England (8pm BST, Santiago del Estero)

Backed by the RFU hierarchy after the Six Nations, Steve Borthwick was nonetheless vague on what would change for England over the next few weeks – partly because the task really is tall and itinerary so tough:

Alex Coles insists England must be ready to fill the leadership and playing voids created by Maro Itoje’s absence when they clash with South Africa at Ellis Park.

Itoje has been rested for the July tour – the first time he has been stood down for a campaign since making his Test debut a decade ago – with Jamie George deputising as captain in his absence.